Novant Health is implementing temporary visitor restrictions in an effort to curb the spread of respiratory viruses.

Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 7 a.m., children under age 13 are asked not to visit Novant Health hospitals in North Carolina.

“Across the areas we serve, we are seeing an increase in flu, COVID-19 and RSV cases,” said Novant Health Senior Vice President David Priest. “Each one of us has a role to play in reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses by staying home when sick, getting vaccinated and seeking the appropriate level of care when necessary. These visitor restrictions are one more way we can keep our most vulnerable patients safe while they are being treated in our hospitals. We appreciate the community’s help in exercising extra care during this time.”

Novant Health asks visitors to abide by the following guidelines:

• Stay home if under age 13, unless seeking care or other special circumstances. Children under age 13 are asked not to visit Novant Health hospitals in North Carolina. Children may be permitted to visit hospitalized patients under special circumstances, such as visiting a family member who is in end-of-life care. In these instances, parents should work with the patient’s care team to make arrangements.  
• Masks remain optional for visitors.
• Stay home if you’re sick. People 13 years and older who are experiencing flu-like symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, fever or cough should not visit patients being treated at Novant Health hospitals. However, people who are seeking treatment at hospitals are not subject to the restriction but will be asked to wear a mask.

Novant Health recommends all community members continue to take the following measures that are known to limit the spread of respiratory viruses:

• Stay home if you’re sick. Health officials strongly encourage people to stay home when sick, maintain respiratory etiquette such as handwashing and covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.
• Get vaccinated. Most importantly, get vaccinated against flu, RSV (for eligible children and senior citizens) and COVID-19.

 

Seek the appropriate level of care when needed:

• Same-day or next-day sick visits. Novant Health primary care and pediatric clinics offer sick visits within 24 hours. When you need medical attention for more routine cough, fever, fatigue and other flu-like symptoms, seek care from a primary care clinician or pediatrician. For more information, visit NovantHealth.org/PrimaryNow.
• Urgent care and virtual care options. Novant Health GoHealth Urgent Care clinics are available to patients older than 6 months, and appointments may be scheduled online. The Novant Health on-demand care team serves both adult and pediatric patients 24/7 with video visits. 

Order free-at-home COVID-19 tests. Every U.S. home is eligible to order additional free at-home COVID-19 tests. To order, visit COVID.gov.